Lorraine Ntlo-Maison opens

SHARE | Wednesday, 05 July 2017 | By Staff Writer

Think romantic movies, or any other film production shoot in Paris, the Eiffel tower, the food, the people, the wine and all things French and how they are just to die for. Well if you are among many who can’t travel to France to experience those because of work or simply because you can’t afford it, fear not because Paris has come to town. A local food maestro who has amassed experience working and training around the world – South Africa, the United States of America and France – and married to a French chef has opened a French restaurant in town: Lorraine Ntlo-Maison Restaurant, to cater for your needs. “When you want to escape from home and travel abroad a little bit but can’t, come here and experience Europe,” said Lorraine Jouffroy. Located in the monumental Botswana Development Corporation (BDC) Towers in Fairgrounds Lorraine Ntlo-Maison Restaurant has brought an almost unexpected sassy feel to the otherwise corporate office block. “This is a flagship restaurant that we have been preparing for since last year. It will not only serve the needs of the tenants of this tower but will also cater for everybody,” said BDC CEO Bashi Gaetsaloe, who encouraged all to come an experience Lorraine’s French cuisine.

Donned in French influenced décor complete with the national flag of France fused with extraordinary rustic pieces, the restaurant is without doubt likely to hypnotise anyone into a brief imaginary life out of Gaborone and Botswana. According to Jopuffroy, she realised that there was no restaurant which specialised in French cuisine and did a market research which confirmed that it would be a profitable establishment. She serves French cuisine with an African twist or French dishes with an Arabic influence. “Batswana love spicy dishes and Arabic dishes are spicy so fusing that with French cuisine makes winner choices,” she said. She recommended the seafood Salmon Medley, which she explains is made up of grilled salmon served on top of creamed shrimp and clamp with lemon bare blank sauce. Because no French dish is complete without the divine French wines, Jouffroy recommends that you try all the house wines they have on offer and of course the bubbly champagne. “I love Champagne and it goes well with most dishes that we offer,” she said. Lorraine Ntlo-Maison restaurant also offer the best dessert in town. Their red velvet and chocolate cake are to die for and Jouffroy said they are always freshly made in their kitchen to their customer’s satisfaction.